The 6 Most Common (and Surprising!) Summer Injuries According to a Pediatrician

Summer means smiling faces playing outdoors — but also some common summer injuries...including a few you might not expect. Dr. Lawrence Rosen, M.D. of the Whole Child Center in Oradell, NJ and Dr. Anna Zou, M.D., F.A.A.P of Pediatrics East of New York P.C., shares five of most common — and sometimes surprising — summer sun-related injuries he's seen at his practice:

1. Sunburns in Hidden Spots

Perhaps the most obvious summer injury is sunburn, but just because you think you've slathered your child in sunscreen doesn't always mean she's totally covered. Hidden spots like the front and back of her neck (even under longer hair), tops of her ears, feet and hands often don't receive the same application and reapplication routine as other major body surfaces. So if you're going to be spending a long day outside, try be extra-vigilant about getting sunscreen all those exposed nooks and crannies. Opt for an SPF of at least 30 and a natural formula containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which are good for sensitive skin.

Another more surprising type of burn can happen during playground visits on sunny hot days: After a long day of sun exposure, some playground equipment can cause instant burn to the skin on contact. Before your little monkey starts swinging and sliding, touch metal slides, handrails and monkey bars.

3. Dehydration

On a sunny day, hours of outdoor fun makes it easy for kids to forget to hydrate. Particularly if your child attends camp or plays sports during the summer, it's crucial to hydrate with water before, during and after outdoor activity time. If your older child prefers sports drinks, try coconut water instead to avoid added sugar. Babies should continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as normal.

4. Pool Injuries

Keep kids of all ages pool-safe with constant supervision in and around the water to prevent another common injury: near drownings. The AAP recommends "touch supervision," or always staying at an arm's length from your child, especially when she can't swim well yet. If your summer pool is in your own backyard, a surrounding gate helps avoid accidents, particularly with curious kids.

If your child is a risk-taker, keep watch for two summer injuries that can happen during horseplay: Kids running who slip and fall on wet spots, or daredevils who dive into the shallow end head first. Bone fractures, head, neck and spine injuries are all potential risks when kids get rowdy and excited around the pool. Put your on semi-strict parent hat and discuss the rules with your kids beforehand. And don't hesitate to remove your kids from the pool area for a while to cool down if you're concerned their play is getting too heated.

5. Poisonous Plants

Nature walks are a great way to keep kids active and entertained, but make sure to steer clear of pesky plants that can wreak havoc on skin. Poison ivy and poison oak can touch the skin and easily spread if it's not treated immediately. The most common issue is when kids touch a plant then rub their eyes, causing them to close shut. Familiarize children with the looks of these plants, and wash off any plant oils with soap and water within 10 minutes.

6. Food Illnesses

Planning a summer barbecue with the family? The sun and heat is not on your side when it comes to outdoor dining. Certain common food borne illnesses caused by bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella are a result of improper storage temperature, causing serious illness in children. Keep an eye on foods containing mayonnaise, milk, egg and cheese, and avoid leaving out for more than an hour — particularly in the blazing sun.

By following your mom instinct and using a little common sense, you can protect your child from the most common summer injuries.

Lauren Fischer

Lauren Fischer is a mom and beauty, style and health writer and editor who has contributed to a variety of women's interest publications including Woman's World magazine, Savvy Miss and Ideas That Spark.

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